A Journey Through Children’s Dental Development

There are a million worries we have as parents watching our children grow up, but one significant area that is often overlooked is their tooth development. The journey to a full set of adult teeth is filled with important milestones, from the first incisors appearing through the gums to the loss of baby teeth and the eventual arrival of adult teeth.

Let’s look at the timeline of children’s dental development more closely, receive essential care tips for every stage, and find out how dental care in Maroubra can support your children as they grow beautiful smiles and maintain optimal oral health for a lifetime.

Preparing for Incoming Teeth

Even before your baby’s first tooth appears, it is important to establish good oral hygiene habits starting around four months old. To keep their mouth clean and prepare your child for regular brushing from an early age, you can now begin to gently wipe your baby’s gums using a damp cloth or soft rubber finger toothbrush.

The Arrival of the First Teeth

The teething process is expected to begin once your baby reaches the age of 4-6 months, a stage that can be quite uncomfortable for your little one. During your dental care routine, you might observe swollen gums and increased drooling. In many little patients who come to Dental Maroubra, the first teeth that start to emerge are typically the lower central incisors.

The First Visit to a Dental in Maroubra

When your toddler is less than two years old, you should consider scheduling the first appointment at a children’s dental clinic. Introducing your child to a dental in Maroubra at a young age not only allows the oral professional to oversee their dental progress but will also help them get accustomed to regular dental check-ups more easily without being anxious.

When to Introduce Brushing

Once your toddler’s teeth start emerging, it is time to introduce them to careful brushing using a toothbrush with a small head, very soft bristles, and a pea-sized portion of fluoride-free toothpaste. Getting your child used to oral hygiene practices is easiest by sitting or standing behind them and brushing the outer and inner sides of the teeth and along the gumline.

Say Goodbye to Pacifiers and Thumb-Sucking

While it can be challenging to deny your child these comforting behaviours, try working on breaking habits that may lead to oral health problems, such as tooth misalignment and changing the shape of the roof of their mouth by the age of 2, while maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine, brushing after every meal or at least twice a day.

Encourage Independence with Supervision

Dental Maroubra encourages parents to let their children become more independent and start brushing their teeth by themselves around the age of 4-6, but it must be under adult supervision. Make sure they thoroughly clean all areas and brush for the recommended 2 minutes, touching up their brushing if necessary after completing the dental routine themselves.

The Tooth Fairy Visits

Most young children lose their baby teeth between the ages of 6 and 12. Usually, the front teeth start to wiggle and fall out first, followed by the canines and molars. This exciting milestone marks the natural transition to a full set of strong, adult teeth.

Orthodontic Evaluation

As soon as those new teeth start coming in, you should schedule an appointment at a reputable dental in Maroubra. During a thorough exam, a children’s dental expert can confirm that there are no issues with your child’s teeth alignment or intervene early before problems become more severe.

Final Set of Molars

The eruption of wisdom teeth completes the full set of adult teeth. Usually appearing between the age of 17-22, some individuals will experience a dull pain when the third molars start to break in the gum line. While swollen gum tissue and discomfort during this transition can be treated with over-the-counter medication, it is advisable to consult with a dental in Maroubra to ensure the last emerging teeth will not cause any long-term complications. Common issues that often lead to wisdom teeth extractions in juvenile years or adulthood are when the teeth do not have enough space to grow and cause misalignment, infected gums or when they do not emerge from the jaw bone at all.

Welcoming Environment at your Dental in Maroubra

Along with a healthy diet and good oral hygiene at home, it is equally important to see a dentist in Maroubra at least once a year to check on your child’s tooth development and catch potential issues early on to avoid lengthy and costly dental treatment.

As it can be quite scary for young patients when confronted with all the unfamiliar instruments and strange noises, our specially trained team at Dental Avenue Maroubra is happy to answer all questions and tend to any concerns to help your child feel comfortable and at ease during their appointment.

Our dental clinic in Maroubra is ready to guide you and your child through every step of their dental development, whether it be their first visit, a trip for dental fillings, or the provision of orthodontic treatments like braces and mouthguards.

Don’t wait until issues arise. Set up a strong foundation for your child’s oral health today. Call our clinic now at 02 9344 8822 to schedule their first appointment with Dental Avenue Maroubra. Your child’s healthy and beautiful smile is just a phone call away.

Maroubra Clinic

Parramatta Clinic

Dentist Journal